Faculty & Staff
A detailed look at who teaches at College of the Desert — from staff size and tenure to diversity and student support.
🎓 Leadership
Laura Hope
Interim Superintendent/President
Chief Administrator
📊 How Does the Instructional Staff at College of the Desert Compare?
At College of the Desert, 131 instructional staff serve the student body at a 26.0:1 student-faculty ratio. Faculty are generally accessible through appointments and office hours.
How College of the Desert Compares
College of the Desert's 26.0:1 student-to-faculty ratio is right in the typical range for trade and vocational schools (most run 15:1–25:1). 131 instructional staff and 131 core faculty provide a baseline level of instructional capacity — solid, if not differentiated.
🎯 What Does a 26.0:1 Student-Faculty Ratio at College of the Desert Mean for You?
A 26.0:1 student-faculty ratio at College of the Desert offers a workable balance between group and individual instruction. Here's the breakdown.
What This Means For Your Education:
Reasonable access to instructors
Mix of large lectures and smaller discussions
Students develop self-reliance
Faculty accessible through appointments
Peer learning becomes more important
How This Compares
Typical for:
Most public universities, average private colleges
Industry Context:
Faculty Composition & Diversity
Tenure Status Distribution
Faculty with permanent positions
Faculty on path to tenure
Contract-based faculty
Faculty Composition Summary
Faculty Size:131 faculty members
Job Security:73% have tenure, 6% are tenure-track
Diversity:37% faculty of color, 28% underrepresented minorities
📊 Complete Faculty-Student Ratio Analysis
The official student-to-faculty ratio for this institution:
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
AdequateWhat it measures:Official IPEDS ratio using Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students and faculty
Why it matters:The standard metric used by College Navigator and official comparisons
🎯 Understanding This Ratio
This is the official ratio reported to the U.S. Department of Education, calculated using Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students and faculty. FTE adjusts for part-time enrollment and staffing, giving a more accurate picture of actual class sizes than raw headcounts. This is the same ratio shown on College Navigator and used in official comparisons.
🌟 Why Does Faculty Diversity at College of the Desert Matter?
Diversity is a strength at College of the Desert, where 37% of faculty are people of color. Here's what that means in practice.
Real-World Industry Representation
Industry Connections
Diverse faculty bring connections across different sectors and companies, expanding job opportunities for graduates.
Cultural Competency
Faculty from diverse backgrounds prepare students to work effectively in multicultural workplace environments.
Role Models & Mentorship
Students see themselves reflected in faculty, increasing confidence and career aspirations in their chosen trades.
Academic & Job Security Benefits
Teaching Continuity
Higher tenure rates mean more stable, long-term relationships between students and experienced instructors.
Investment in Excellence
Institutions with secure faculty positions attract and retain higher-quality instructors committed to student success.
Program Consistency
Lower faculty turnover ensures curriculum consistency and ongoing improvements to training programs.
Faculty Performance Benchmarks
Faculty-to-Student Ratios
Lower ratios indicate more personalized attention for students
Student-to-Faculty Ratio (IPEDS)
Official FTE-based ratio
Ratios shown as students per faculty member. Lower numbers indicate smaller class sizes and more individual attention.
Performance Summary
Student Support: Overall faculty-to-student ratio of 26.0:1 (high)
🏆 What makes our instructors exceptional?
Industry-Certified Professionals
Our instructors hold current certifications and licenses in their respective trades, ensuring students learn the most up-to-date skills and standards.
Hands-On Experience
Faculty members bring years of real-world experience from the field, providing students with practical insights that go beyond textbook learning.
Small Class Focus
Low student-to-instructor ratios ensure personalized attention, individualized feedback, and hands-on guidance for every student.
Continuous Professional Development
Faculty regularly attend industry conferences, update certifications, and participate in ongoing training to stay current with evolving technologies.
🤝 Who supports your success beyond the classroom?
Beyond our expert instructors, a dedicated team of professionals supports your educational journey and career success.
Academic Advisors
Guide your program selection, course planning, and academic progress to ensure you graduate on time and job-ready.
Career Services Team
Provide job placement assistance, resume writing help, interview preparation, and connections to local employers actively hiring.
Financial Aid Counselors
Help you navigate financial aid options, scholarships, payment plans, and budgeting strategies to make education affordable.
Student Success Coaches
Offer tutoring, study skills development, personal counseling, and resources to help you overcome challenges and succeed.
🔗 Helpful Resources for Evaluating Trade College Faculty
Research Faculty Quality
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Research career outlook and required qualifications for your field to evaluate instructor credentials.
ACCET Accreditation
Learn about accreditation standards that ensure faculty meet professional teaching qualifications.
Contact & Information
Official College Website
Visit the official website for detailed faculty directories and instructor biographies.
Contact Administration
Call for questions about faculty credentials and teaching approach
7603468041Explore More About College of the Desert
💡 Key Takeaways About Faculty at College of the Desert
The college employs 131 instructional staff members, providing a 26.0:1 student-faculty ratio.
With 73% of faculty having tenure, the institution demonstrates commitment to stable, long-term instruction.
The faculty includes 37% faculty of color, reflecting diverse perspectives and industry connections.
Bottom Line: Strong tenure rates at College of the Desert signal institutional commitment to quality instruction. Experienced, stable faculty with diverse perspectives create an environment where students can build lasting professional skills.